Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Tommy’s brother was not a nice man. He got mixed up with the wrong type of people, owing debts to more than the banks. Even if he had to look presentable for the men that he presented Tommy to, it was all a facade, something that was fake. No one cared enough to look closer, all to washed up in their own versions of hell. Looks, presentation, wealth is everything and more to these people, and if you don't have that?

To them, you are the scum of the earth without it. 

Which is why Tommy sits here, at a table whilst a party around him thrives. It’s a show of wealth they don’t have, proof of their importance within the world. Tommy sits on his hands so as to not fidget. He can’t embarrass Dream again, his punishment was enough last time for him to never wish it again, even if it were to be inevitable. 

The event was held at their manor, something that the bank was on the verge of reclaiming. From the dining room and staff present, you would assume every room was like this, filled with precious jewels and luxurious tablecloths made of a texture that Tommy despises. His hands want to feel along it, to give them something to do but the thought of touching the dark green fabric makes him want to rip his fingernails off. 

“Theseus.” Tommy’s brother appears in front of him, making him realise how much his golden wings were fluttering about, “Let’s try and sit still, yeah? We don’t want you embarrassing yourself when the Syndicate is here.” Dream kisses Tommy’s forehead with a tight grip on his jaw, forcing him to lower his head. “Sorry Dream.”

Dream stood high, looking down on his brother. His formal black button up contrasted heavily to Tommy’s own white, and his green blazer to the blond's red jumper. Tommy’s beautiful golden wings to Dream's dark sheep horn stumps. If you saw the two, you would never guess they’re related, let alone brothers, but their family portrait would prove otherwise. He stares into Tommy’s eyes, before looking at his cheek.

“I don’t think you are sorry, but for now I’ll let it slide. Though I will recommend that you go to the bathroom. Your makeup is rubbing off, and we don’t want people knowing about your ‘accident’.” He traced his thumb over the spot before pushing in harshly. Tommy bites his tongue feeling the tears stinging his eyes. Dream lets go and pat his head before walking off, “And fix your wings too, don't waste the gift our mother gave you.”

Tommy nods before heading to the bathroom down a large hall, filled with as many treasures they could showcase without being tacky. In his opinion, it’s all tacky and anyone with half a sight is able to see the cheap gold painted on the vases and masks, the plastic pearl beads showcased on stands as necklaces. 

It’s fake, all fake. They had to sell their real gold and pearls, all to fund Dream’s addictions and debts, the only real thing being a portrait of a family dressed in green and silver. Any room past this hall is essentially empty, even if they are being guarded like they hold treasures beyond what they hold. Dream made sure to keep their image rich. To keep it pure. 

The foundation in Tommy’s pocket lays heavy as he pushes open the dark oak door and almost runs into a tall brunette. “Oh sorry, you go first.” Tommy holds the door open for the man to leave, keeping his eyes downcast and his posture straight. There’s so many important people at Dream’s parties, he doesn’t want to offend any of them by making them wait. 

“It’s fine.” The man walks out hesitantly, eyeing Tommy before holding his jaw, much like Dream did, “What happened to your face? It’s all bruised n’ shit.” His thumb traces the now prominent bruise, wiping off what little makeup was left on it. 

“I tripped and fell into a chair.” Brown eyes stared into his blue, searching for something, something Tommy can’t give him. “That’s a stupid way to get a bruise.” He chuckles, but unlike the hold on his jaw, it’s different from Dream’s. It’s to make light of the situation, not to make fun of Tommy like his brother's laughs were. 

“Yeah, I wasn’t looking at where I was going. The rug had been flipped for cleaning.” Tommy smiles tentatively, reciting the story him and Dream had come up with. To his surprise, the man laughed a bit more, “Really? I thought something more would've made you trip, but the rug? That’s honestly hilarious, though not the worst way I’ve gotten injured. One time as a kid, I was eating sand, just shovelling it into my mouth, and my tooth got chipped because of a rock. Hurt like a bitch.”

Now it was Tommy’s turn to laugh as the man pulled away his hand, “You ate sand? What kind of maniac eats sand?!” The brunette crosses his arms in mock defence, “Hey, little me had it right! It’s crunchy and a good secret snack because it stays in your teeth!” Tommy stares at the man in horror, “No, absolutely not. That is- no, I don’t want to think about it.” He shakes his head to rid himself of the thoughts of sand grinding in his mouth.

“Don’t tell me you never did it as a kid. Hell, you still look like a child, I thought this event was ‘no kids’?” Tommy gasped at that, feeling more comfortable with this man than any other adult he’s come across, “I am no child! I am a big man!” The man laughed, “And does this big man have a name?”

How Tommy could forget to introduce himself is more than embarrassing, “I’m These of the Taken family.” Tommy held out his hand to shake like he was taught to, “Ohh, so you're the kid Dream’s been going on about! It’s nice to meet you Theseus, I’m Wilbur of the Miencraft family.” 

The man, now known as Wilbur, took Tommy’s hand and shook it tightly. If this interaction was anything to go off of, Dream will be very pleased that Tommy had made friends with someone of another family. It’s beneficial to them to have as many connections as possible to be able to get back onto their feet, especially with Dream’s last ‘meltdown’, so any outside status would be great for Tommy to gather.

Tommy doesn’t miss the way Wilbur’s eyes go over his wings, and he can feel them shuffle behind him, “My father will be waiting for me, but it was good to meet you Theseus. I hope we will meet again.” The taller nods as he walks away, something in his eye that Tommy couldn’t help but see. 

As Tommy reaches the sink, he looks into the mirror in front of him. Seeing the perfection of his face, Tommy wanted to run to one of the toilets and throw up. He had been scrubbed up in a too cold bath, expired make up from their mothers draw had been lathered onto his face, making sure to get rid of every fleck and spot, anything to indicate that they were imperfect. His light freckles had been covered, and his cheeks had been contoured to make him appear well fed, all a part of the play he was a part of. 

In reality, his freckles should be much darker from time he spends outside, flying and healthily indulging into his instincts. His cheeks should be much chubbier, as to not show the lack of meals he’s had due to his mistakes. He should’ve been better, looked better. Dream had to do hardly anything to appear wealthy, to appear perfect, yet it took Tommy so much time and effort to look the bare minimum, and now here he was, fixing it up. 

No wonder Dream continues to punish him. He deserved it after all.

The party seemed louder than it was before, more lively with a half good band playing in the background and people dancing in circles while others made deals, Dream being one of them. “Theseus! There you are, come, come say hello to Philza of the Syndicate.” He gestures to an older man, with blonde hair and shining blue eyes that look like they hold the secrets of the world in them. His lower face is covered by a black mask but that stops his face from being expressive as all hell.

“Hello mate, Dream was just telling me about you.” It’s good to know that Tommy was being showed off like a prize that Dream won from a carnival game. He might as well sit in a cage like Dream had warned him others would do if they got a hold of him. “Yes, I was telling him about your wings Theseus, show them to Philza, he might even be able to give you some tips on how to make them look better.” Dream jokes, and Tommy doesn’t miss the slight furrow in Philza’s brow as Dream makes increasingly uncomfortable jokes on how disgusting and unkept Tommy’s wings are,  despite their beautiful shine and well preened exterior. Tommy would rather do anything else than have someone he doesn’t know, let alone another avian, though by the look on Dream’s face, he’s already on thin ice. 

Holding back a sigh, Tommy turns and spreads his wings, catching the attention of many, not just Philza. They shine in the warm light of the room, shining like the golden colour they share with the ore. People crowd around them, touching and petting the wings, and Tommy has to suppress every urge in him to run, to snap and bite at those he didn’t know who touch his wings. 

If he were to do that, he would be killed. If not by Dream, then by some other hybridist mother fucker. His mouth is bathed in blood, he can feel the liquid filling it as he bites on his tongue to repress his chirps for someone to help him. Chirps were not human, they were animalistic, horrific things that show you are not humane, you are not human. 

Dream worked hard to prove he was human. Theseus must do the same.

Even when Dream says his wings are a gift from their mother, Theseus knows they are horrible. He knows they are to only be shown when they are in perfect condition, even when that itself is impossible. Their mother was a hybrid. A hybrid of a hybrid, with goat-like horns and angel wings, she was beautiful in every way. Her heart was as pure as gold, letting Tommy have golden wings drained from her soul. Her beauty was unheard of, even when their father painted her skin. 

Tommy wishes he had wings like his mother then maybe they would be okay. 

Even with the glue holding his lips together, he can't help the small tear that falls from his eyes as someone takes one of his feathers. He tries to rapidly blink it away, to ensure no one sees, but Philza does. He  had been standing there, almost doll-like with how still he was. Something in Philza’s eyes changed in that moment, you could see how the pupils in his eyes become pinpricks, and Tommy can see him take a step forward, begin yelling something but Tommy isn’t there.

Tommy left, being replaced with Theseus, who is the perfect brother. 

“Get away from him! Don’t you see he’s uncomfortable! Wings aren’t something you can just touch, are you all insane?!” Theseus stands completely still, eye’s following Philza but not daring to follow him as he leaves his eyesight, “You.” Philza’s voice became dark, and hardened, “You picked a feather, did you not?”

The person seemed to have responded, angering Philza more, “What makes you think you had the right.” 

“It was soft, my daughter would’ve loved it-”

“So if I pick your arm off, because i found it interesting, that would be okay? Here pass me your arm-”

“I think you’ve made your point, Philza.” Dream put a hand on Theseus, nudging him to turn around and face the crowd that had collected around them.

He really didn’t want to.

“Besides, Theseus was fine with it, right?” There’s an underlying threat buried within the sweet and concerned tone, “Yes. I’m fine with it. Thank you for your concern Philza but it was unnecessary.” Theseus doesn’t look Philza in the eyes, instead opting for the ruby heart amulet he has on a golden chain, staring at the way it shines. It's like something that would be in his stash, that should be in his stash.

Tommy shakes the thought from his head as if his brain were an etch n sketch. 

Philza’s eye did not leave Theseus, did not stray from the fledgling that is too young to be okay with anyone aside from his flock touching his wings, let alone a mass amount of people pulling and prodding at once. “I’ll be taking my leave now, I know when I’m not wanted. Be more respectful of others, Dream.”

With that he left the too brightly bedazzled party, the oversized doors slamming behind him. 

“Let us get back to festivities everyone!” 

Dream was more furious with Tommy’s mistakes then he had been in a long time. Dream was too tired to give him punishment out that night though, and for that Tommy is grateful.

Chapter Text

Tommy’s alarm didn’t go off that morning. He had slept in and Dream was going to be furious. The man was kind enough to let Tommy off last night with a warning for his behaviour and disappearance at the party. Tommy’s brother is a kind man.

The blonde had no time to ask Lady Death why he woke up that morning, nor any time to stretch and make his wings look presentable. 

He would surely pay for it later.

Many things that morning went wrong. Tommy, already starting late on his chores, tried to keep pace with the staff they had fired long ago in order to maintain their too big of a house and ensure that if any… guests were to come about, they would be prepared. The windows needed to be washed, the floor needed to be sweeped, and most of all, Dream’s breakfast must be ready by the time he got up.

If you were to ask Tommy about what he thought about his mass amount of chores, he would say it’s simply fair. His brother kept him from harm, kept him from being sold to markets and put in a cage on the mantle, or having his wings being on display above the fireplace. He ensures that Tommy is happy, healthy and most importantly, safe. 

Though it sometimes seems that their definitions of safety are different. 

Tommys working to fix that though. 

Placing down the large bucket of soapy water, Tommy picks up his sponge to sop up the over spilled water. His hands are raw and peeling, but this is the final window he has to do before he can start cooking for his brother. This is all he has to do left.

The sponge cleans the small amount of dust on the glass, ensuring a clean sheen. The ladder for the top part is still over at the other window, and the thought of moving to get it makes Tommy want to pull the skin off of his hands. 

He has wings. He could just… use them.

The thought makes Tommy’s heart soar with joy, makes him want to chirp and peep, makes him want to indulge in his wants, 

‘In his needs. ’ His mind supplies. 

His mind is a traitor. 

The wings flutter, going as fast as they could trying desperately to get higher, but Tommy never leaves the ground.

A hand on his shoulder stops any thought dead in his tracks. He hadn’t even realised that his wings were fluttering, preparing for a take off that he couldn’t achive and causing some of his feathers to fall. 

He didn’t preen this morning.

“What are you doing Tommy?” It was less of a question and more of a statement, one that always sends a chill to his bones. “I was just cleaning the window, Dream, I wasn’t going to do anything. I promise.”

The feathers on the floor around him betray him. 

“Is breakfast ready?” Dream’s tone is tense, and guarded, as usual. “No, I was about to start on it. Do you have any preferences for today?” Tommy leaves the bucket on the floor, trying to head towards the kitchen but the hand on his shoulder tightens. Tommy holds his breath as he turns to see Dream’s scarred face. He’s tired. More than usual.

“Did you sleep okay?” Tommy goes to touch Dream’s face, who pulls him into a tight hug, and he reciprocates nearly immediately. Dream buries his face in Tommy’s golden curls, his arms tight around the teen as if he were to disappear at any moment. The hug lasted for a month before dream sighed and looked at Tommy’s wings from over his head, “We need to fix your wings don’t we.” 

“I can do it, don't worry.” Tommy's hindbrain screamed in joy at the idea of his brother, his flock, preening his wings, but he can’t seem desperate, can’t seem like he’s giving into his instinct. “No. I… I’ll help you.” Tommy nearly misses the glint of something in Dream’s eyes as he brushes off the shock of his brother actually wanting anything to do with his wings. The same  wings he’s cursed out so many times before. 

“Though I am very unhappy that you didn’t finish your morning chores in time.” The hug became tight, near unbearable tight, “I-I cleaned up the party last night, I must’ve slept i-in-” Hands on his wings “Stop that god awful stuttering. I didn't teach you to speak like that.”

“I don’t want excuses Tommy, I’m just letting you know of my dissatisfaction. Isn’t that what brothers are supposed to do? Communicate?”

The breakfast table that morning was tense with only the sounds of chewing breaking the silence. The meat of the bacon sat heavily in Tommy’s stomach, making him sit uncomfortably, wings twitching behind him. Every movement of them brought attention from Dream. Every slight in the breeze, uncontrollable twitch, all the little movements that Tommy couldn’t control, it was all noted and studied by his brother. 

That was something Tommy loved and hated about his brother. He was curious. 

Curious about foods, about plants. Curious about places and their history. 

Curious about emotions, and reactions. 

More often than not, the blonde is the subject of his experiments. 

Ever since they were kids, Dream would get Tommy to eat some sort of plant with a notebook in his hand, ready to see the reactions. More than once, this had landed Tommy in the medical wing, but nothing deterred the brothers from figuring out life’s mysteries, together. 

“You know,” Dream takes a second to swallow his food, “people would probably pay good money for your wings. Hell, even that feather that Dutchess Marien plucked last night would have been useful. Could’ve turned it into a quill, or crushed it into powder.” Tommy always hated this discussion. How his wings were nothing but a quick cash grab for his brother. “I tend to make good money from the potions that I sell, but if someone framed your wings? Or even better, keep you as a living potion machine, Gods, the money I would get then.”

“But taking them purely for decoration would be a loss, yeah? Cuz they regrow so cutting them off from being alive n’ not able to regrow isn’t beneficial.” Tommy hestitanly brings up. As much he hates the fact Dream uses his feathers to strengthen potions, he would like to keep his wings attached to him.

All they cause is trouble.

All they cause is pain. 

But they were hers, and now they are his. 

“Fair point. As much money as I would get, it wouldn’t be anything compared to the long run.” Dream says nonchalantly. “Is that all I am to you?! A paycheck?!” Tommy wants to scream, “I have want’s too! I have needs too!” He wants to shout. 

He says nothing as his wings squeeze closer to him. 

“All right, let’s get this over with.” 

The living room is very bare, all the books and furniture being sold to fund their ever growing debt, save a single chair that Tommy’s father used to sit in. The fireplace is cold, and Tommy takes to preparing it as Dream sits in the chair, waiting for the avian to sit in front of him. With the fire slowly taking life and surrounding the empty room in a warm light, Tommy takes his spot sitting in front of Dream with his wings spread out. 

His hands are soft, gentle and it makes Tommy have to bite down a chirp. Chirps are inhumane. Chirps are monstrous.

Tommy isn’t a monster. Until he is. 

His hand slaps over his mouth, and he prays to whatever gods are left that Dream didn’t hear it. “Honestly Tommy,” the elder let’s out a sigh, “I thought I taught you better.”

“Are you mad at me?” Tommy asks, like a child who got caught tracking in mud. “Am I upset? Why, should I be?” It’s rhetorical, Tommy knows, but he also knows that Dream likes him to admit when he’s done something wrong. He decides to stay quiet, hoping that’s the right answer. Dream becomes harsher in his preening, “Look Tommy, you know I would do anything to make you happy… I just want you to do the same for me, yeah?” 

“And you,” He starts to pull feathers that aren’t loose, aren’t ready to be gone, “seem to love to make me upset. Love to see how far you can push before you're punished, it’s not okay Tommy.” Tommy can feel the haze of safety, however faint it was, pull away, leaving him with the coldness that is always present when Dream get’s like this. “It get’s frustrating, you have to know that, little birdie. I’ve given up so much just to raise you when our parents left, and I’ve continued to be so kind with my lessons, but none of them stick Tommy.”

A handful, then another and another. Silent tears run down Tommy’s face, but he can’t make any more noises, or Dream will be even angrier. “You break things, you’re childish, you don’t listen, Tommy I’ve tried so many things just to get you ready for the real world. No one will be as kind as me.”

“But Ranboo and Tubbo are nice. So is Sam, they’re all nearly as nice as you.” Tommy regret’s speaking as soon as he did, but he needed Dream to know there is kind people in the world, and he just hasn’t met them yet. 

There are bloodied patches in Tommy’s wings, and he stiffens when Dream leaves his seat without a word. The blonde can hear the man ruffle in the draw and the sharp snip of scissors being cut against air, “Tubbo and Ranboo are liars. Sam is using you for labour. They don’t care about you birdie, I do. I care about you more than you can ever know,” Dream crotches in front of Tommy and gentall guides his wing towards him, “But if you aren’t going to listen to me, punishments have to be served.”

Before Tommy can process, his wing is clipped. He can’t feel the sharpness of the blades, not really, but he can feel the irritation it gives to his wing, the fear and panic it gives to his hind brain. 

Tommy doesn’t let in though. He’s better than that. 

 his wings have been clipped, and Tommy’s acting like it’s the first time it’s ever happened. He knows his punishments, but he can never get over his clipped wings. They grow back, they get better, much like a broken bone or a bruise on his skin, but it always feels different, more personal.

Dream holds Tommy’s cheek, cradling it and brushing the tears out of his eyes. Tommy pushes his hand into his brother’s loving hand. His head gets thrown the other way when a harsh slap is planted across his face. “What was that for?”

Tommy doesn’t answer. He doesn’t want to. Dream’s voice raises, “What was that for Tommy? How are you supposed to learn if you don’t know why you’re getting punished?” Tommy breathes deeply, “It was for causing a scene at your party.”

“Speak up birdie you know I hate when you mumble.”

“I embarrassed you in front of possible connections at your party.”

“You for embarrassing me at my party.” Dream echo’s as he stands tall above Tommy, who still sits on his cushion in front of the chair. He plant’s a foot on Tommy’s hand which rests on his knee and grinds it, “What about this one.”

“For not having my chores done on time.”

“See, this is how you learn birdie. Now.” The man forces Tommy to look up at him, “Turn your back to me.” He hesitates, “Now Theseus.” 

Tommy count’s aloud the strikes of Dream’s belt. His back is covered in welts, the metal of the belt breaking skin and causing blood to spill on to the rug. He’ll have to clean that later. Tommy can feel his head starting to droop and fall onto the chair where Dream once sat. 

Dream pulls Tommy’s hair back, dragging that rest of Tommy with it. He yelps and goes to hold the hand that is there but freezes when he feel’s Dream whisper in his ear, “Never, and I mean never, fucking keep secrets from me. Am I understood?” Tommy goes pale.

Dream found his stash of money then. He had been planning to run away, but he always felt a pull back when he would try to execute his plan, as if he were on a leash. “Am I understood?!” Dream yells louder tugging Tommy’s hair more, “Yes yes! I’m sorry, I won’t leave, I won’t keep secrets! I’ll be good, just please stop Dream!”

He’s released and Dream leaves the room, coming back with a first aid kit that is long empty. A rag of alcohol rub is placed against Tommy’s sores.  

“You know I love you right? You just… don’t learn any other way. This is how you learn.”

“I’m sorry, Dream.” 

“It’s okay, I forgive you.” Dream presses a kiss to Tommy's curls. 

Dream didn’t have to be kind in his punishments, yet he always is.

Chapter Text

Spotify Play list!

Tommy walks past the train station, into the little corner store where he works. McPuffy’s, where the burgers are better. Kind of. They’re definitely better than other places, that's for sure. The restaurant is filled with people, and the bins are full, meaning that Tommy will likely have to change them. 

Arguably, the worst punishment of all. 

“Tommy!” Tubbo moves from the drink dispenser as the blonde enters the back, adjusting his mask, “How’ve you been, Big man?” The ram horned teen butts his head into Tommy’s stomach, a gesture that Tommy is still unsure of the meaning of. “Been good, getting all the ladies as you know. Lots of wives and all.” 

“Tub, you need to be up front! Hi Tommy.” Sam, one of Tommy’s managers, walks up to the teen and messes up his hair while Tubbo grumbles about customer service. Sam’s hand is battered away, with a huff that sounds suspiciously like a laugh, “My image Sam! You can’t ruin my image or my many wives will abandon me!” 

“Sounds like you got bad wives then.” 

“How dare you insult them! They are amazing wives!” Tommy falls into banter with Sam too easily, and he feels like he’s safe. He isn’t, he needs to remind himself that. 

“Pop your stuff away, yeah? I’ll clock you in.” 

Sam is just using you for labour.

“Yep, big man!”

And so started his long shift standing still for too many hours straight. After Tubbo nearly cussed out the fifth customer in a row, Tommy decided to take the register. Working late tended to give him a show of the unkind people that Dream always told him about, but there were thbe few that were nice, nearly as nice as his own brother. 

“There’s a guy here, I don’t think he’s going to order anything.” The lady had spoken lowly, and Tommy matched her level, “If he’s bothering you we can call security, but if he isn’t please just leave him be. This part of L’manburg has quite a few homeless people.”

“No, no nothing like that, I wanted to buy him something. Can I just get a large cheese burger meal and give him the receipt?” This lady, a random lady that had never met this man that frequented McPuffys, never buying anything, wanted to give him an entire meal?

This woman might be nicer than Dream, and if that thought didn’t make Tommy want to throw his head to the ground, no other traitious thought would. 

“Yes, of course you can do that.” He rings her up, and watches as she gives the man her receipt. His ratty clothing and half broken bag shows his wealth, of which he has none. Yet unlike his brother likely would, Tommy doesn’t feel disgust, nor shame in being seen in the same place as this man. He is simply another person. His wealth doesn’t define him. 

Tommy hates how often he has to remind himself that it does.

The night goes much as it always does. A few dumb questions, “Is the ice cream cold?”, and un meetable demands, “I want a McPuffys.” the usual. 

“What did I order again?” Tommy sighs, this being the fourth time he repeated his order to this man, “Just the Spicy Chicken burger and onion rings sir, is that all?” 

“You're quite pretty, you know that? What time do you finish, let me take you out, hmm?” The man was at least 10 if not 20 years older than Tommy, “Sir, are you going to pay for your food or not?” The man licked his lips, “Oh I like how you call me sir-”

“Dude, stop hitting on him and pay for your food, you're making him uncomfortable.” A hybrid of some kind had spoken up behind the man. His skin shining in the artificial light, giving off that he was something else. Something not human. “Oh shut up ya fuckin’ hybrid. I’m trying to have a lovley conversation with,” The man looks at Tommy's name tag and he wants to cover it so badly, “Tommy here. You don’t mind, do you doll?”

“I’m going to have to ask you to leave sir.” Sam’s voice was polite but held an underlying promise. “You can’t kick me out! I’m just tryna order my food!”

“Which you haven’t paid for.” The hybrid says behind the man, and he gets up to his face, trying to be intimidating. It wasn’t working as the man was atleast 5 inches taller than the human, “Shut up you fucking monster! Go back to where your disgusting kind came from, yeah? Or i’ll send you back myself!”

It was at this point Sam had left from behind the counter to get around the front and nodded to Tommy to press the emergency button for security. The man had started shoving at the taller brunette, who simply kept his hands in the pockets of his dramatic trenchcoat and looked at him with an unimpressed face, all whilst dodging him effortlessly. The man got more and more angry, but the brunette didn’t let that stop him from taunting him every so often, “Really? This is the best you got?”

“Fuck off ya goul! No one wants ya here!” The brunette honestly just looked unimpressed, almost offended at how badly this guy was trying to get a punch in. he seemed to be amused at it though, but eventually decided to end it when Sam tried to get between the two, catching one of the hands thrown and twisting the arm to be behind his back and pushing him against the counter. No one else was waiting to order, which meant that Tubbo, who had definitely been working, had managed to catch most of the interaction on film. Even with the mass amounts of camera in the store, most of them didn’t have sound. 

Security arrived just a minute later, after most of the action had been over with. 

Pigs the lot of them. 

“We’re going to have to ask you to let go of the man and put your hands behind your head.” The brunette narrowed his eyes but complied anyway, before jerking away when he was starting to get cuffed, “Woah, wait a minute why am I getting arrested?” Sam pipes in, “He’s not the one who was causing trouble, officer, it was the man he was restraining.”

Racist pigs. 

“Sorry we just… I apologise for the misunderstanding sir.” They turn to the actual criminal who was vigorously arguing with the other officer. He soon got led out with the metal around his wrists.

“Assholes.. Anyways hi! Can I order or am I also banned?” Something about the man strikes Tommy as familiar, but for the life of him he can't put his wing on it. “Uh yeah, how can I help you?” Tommy goes back into customer service mode, reading to listen to this guy's order of a shitty burger and cold chips, “Can I get a large cappuccino, with ten extra shots?”

“What?”

“Just a cappuccino with 10 shots in it.” 

“Legal regulations say I can't serve you more than 430 mg of caffeine. but because you helped me, if you don’t tell I wont.” 

Trenchcoat man laughs, something high and song-like, “Now a base cappuccino is 4.95, and an extra shot is 50 cents each, so your total will be 10 primes. Cash or card?” His laugh dies down a bit, “Card please.”

Tommy gets started on the coffee whilst the payment goes through, and wonders if he’ll need any milk at all to fill the cup. 

“Hey Ranboob, don't make order 5420, it was the guy that just got arrested.” 

“Okay, but I want details.”

“Ask Tubs.”

The machine only has two espresso makers, so it’ll take a while to have a cup with 10 shots. “I like your name tag.” Trenchcoat man says, “Thanks, I painted it myself.” Tommy lets a little bit of pride into his voice. He remembers doing it at a youth hub’ sart club when Dream was still in the height of his addictions, never being home enough to notice Tommy’s missing presence. 

If only it was still like that.

“That’s cool as hell, I never really got into painting n’ stuff, I prefer the more musical side of art.” He leans against the counter, waiting fo rhis coffee thats going to take at least 10 minutes to make, “You play?” 

“Yeah I play the guitar, my brother plays the violin though, like the true nerd he is.” Tommy nods along, “Honestly I love the violin, it’s such a delicate instrument. I used to play the piano though.” Tommy remembers sitting in his mothers lap, following he fingers that danced across the keys, with his father playing the stringed instruments so beautifully. It was like they were their own little band. Those were the moments Tommy was sure his father loved his mother, especially with how he looked at her when she giggled at Tommy’s attempt to play the same notes she did with her much longer fingers and reach. 

“How dare you insist that the mini guitar with a stick to play is better than an actual guitar.” Trenchcoat man says with a playful voice, “Hey! I’m just saying, it sounds better. More majestic. I’m sure your brother tells you every other day. I think you just need a bit more convincing.” Tommy knows he‘s not supposed to insult customers, but there’s something about this guy that makes him feel safe to. “Wow, insulted by a child, a new low for me.”

“Hey! I’m not a child! I’m a big man, thank you very much.”

The man’s eyes seemed to widen a bit, but Tommy didn't notice, in favour of filling the coffee cup a last time, and preparing the inch of milk needed to fill the cup. “Can.. can you add 3 sugars to that too please?” 

Tommy looks up to the man who looks at him with new eyes, studying him, searching him for something, something Tommy can’t give him. “Sure, but again, you can’t tell no one or I'm heading to the slammer with that other guy.” 

He mixes in the sugar into the bitter smelling coffee, avoiding the eyes that are seemingly boring into his skull. Did he go too far? Did the man get frustrated with Tommy? Is he regretting helping him?

“Here you go sir, have a nice night.”

“Thank you Tommy, I’ll see you around.”

Tommy wonders what that means. 

Chapter Text

Trenchcoat man came back the next day. And the next. He returned nearly every day after that. Tommy, being a cashier for a large brand, didn’t particularly notice or think about it too hard when it was a week straight. Every store has its regulars, right?

It did start to set off flags when he started asking Tommy about his life though. Stranger danger and all that, and especially with the lessons he learnt from his brother, he knew not to engage. That’s a bit difficult when it was his job however.

“Tommy! How are you today?” He always said the same thing, whether he saw Tommy behind the counter or cleaning tables or changing the bins. When he was out from behind the counter, the man would give him a pat on the back or ruffle his hair. 

It reminded him alot of how Dream treated him before… everything.

“I’m alright, how about you?” Tommy would always respond, before continuing his job. He isn’t allowed to be rude to customers, he can’t lose this job. Sam, as nice as he was, can’t have an employee who drives away business. 

Sam only wants his labour. 

Their conversations were always shallow, at best. Tranchcoat would always try and dig deeper, look for answers to questions Tommy doesn’t know, stare into his eye’s with his own sharp gaze. Tommy is always quick to block it. 

After the first few visits, Tommy asked for his nme, but the man simply smiled, “If you guess it, I’ll confirm it.” 

“What kind of bull shit is that?” Tommy’s voice carried out without his knowledge, but the man simply laughed, “The bullshit of someone who’s bored. Besides, I wanna know what I look like! Maybe a Phillip? Ooh or a Charlie!”

“You look like a wanker, that's what.”

The man laughed once again. He did that alot. Tommy liked his laugh, it made his lungs fill with a gas that made him want to laugh too. It made him feel light, and happy. Safe, his traitorous mind would always supply, it’s safer than Dreams, Safer than anyone else's.

“What’s got you so happy?” Dream isn’t always the easiest to decipher, though Theseus prides himself on knowing his brother's emotions pretty well. “Just a good day at work. No one was an asshole today!”

Dream was always easier when he drank. When he smoked. When he snorted, when he injected. 

He was always better when he was high. So was Theseus.

“That’s good! We love not having to deal with assholes.” Tommy snorts, before grabbing a glass of water for his brother in his chair in front of the fireplace. Bottles litter the floor, as well as a half burnt blunt on the arm chair. Dream was always easier to deal with high yes, but if he was in a bad mood before he started to bury himself, then one wrong move and Theseus was fucked. 

He noticed letters strewn across the floor, half in the fire pace which burnt greens and blues because of the ink in them. 

Dream notices Tommy looking at them. “Those fuckin’ idiots at the bloody Syndicate, think they own everything. They keep sending me letter, like a fucking bank! How dumb is that Tommy?” Opening one of the many letters, Tommy reads a number at the top. Five. 

The only other number he can find is six.

“I don’t know, big man, shouldn’t we pay at least some back? I think they're on their last straw.” Dream takes a long swig of his beer. He looks at it contemplatively, taking a long draw of something definitely stronger than marijuana. 

Theseus manages to duck down before the bottle can hit his head. He doesn’t get out of the way in time for the blunt to be put out onto his temple, right above his eye. 

Theseus always managed to fuck things up didn’t he. 

“You worthless fucking shit!” The customer had to pay 50 cents for a sauce, and Tommy tried to charge them. “It’s 50 cents! Can’t you just give me the fuckin’ sauce?”

“I’m sorry ma’am we have to charge you. Company policy-”

“Oh company policy my ass, just give me the fucking sauce or I’m going to jump this fuckin’ counter and make you.”

Sam placed a hand on Tommy’s shoulder, who just stood there, taking the abuse he deserved.

He was led to the break room, by Ranboo he thinks. The room is  small, mainly just used to keep brooms and bags that people bring with them. There’s not much, just a tap, microwave and a fridge, with a total of 3 chairs. 

“Tommy, you're okay, they’re just an asshole.” Their voice was quiet, but Tommy knows he’s just going crazy. What sort of sane person breaks down because someone yelled at them? “Tommy what happened?” Tubbo came bursting in through the door, “C’mon big man you gotta tell me, no one else was in the front.”

“You're not telling me something.” Dream says as they eat dinner. Tommy doesn’t remember how he got here, nor does he want to. “I tell you everything you ask for, Dream.”

It wasn’t a lie, Tommy would never even dream of lying to his older brother, the person who helped him live. The person he loved most. 

“Not telling me is as bad as lying.”

“Well I’m not going to tell you my name until you guess it!” The asshole was back and taunting Tommy again. It’s annoying as all hell, but it’s fun. Tommy likes hanging out with the nameless man, even if he’s a stranger. “If you don’t tell me I’m going to name you something stupid.”

“You already tried that none of the names stuck.”

“Jared.”

“Nope.”

“Peter”

“Nuh uh”

“Penelope”

“Really?”

“Dream!” 

Tommy’s fingers were bloody from scratching the door so much. He hated this room, this punishment. 

“Please! Let me out Dream, I promise I’ll be good!”

His voice is horse and his throat is dry from yelling. The room is closing in on him, making him want to push them back out, but he can’t all he can do is bang on the wooden door. 

“I’ll do it…” and with that the door opens, letting light flood in. His brother saved him, like he always does. 

“Mother of thee, blessed of death. Forgive me for the sins I have committed,” The dagger in his hand is heavy, and the man tied to the chair was gagged and his body was littered with deep cuts,his eyes left only with a black bruise forming. 

His reaction upon seeing Theseus, seeing the dagger in his hand and the person who tortured behind him did nothing but fill him with panic. 

Theseus couldn’t help but feel the same. 

“Your stars shine bright and mine are dull,” 

The prayer fell off his tongue behind the mask Dream had made him wear. He knew his brother wouldn’t mind his mutterings as long as he did as told. It’s a lot harder to do than he thought. 

“The sins of mine against you, my Blessed, are what made them dull.”

Theseus feels them crawl up his back. Dream, even if he hated the goddess he worshipped, always held him in line to her, and ensured he was punished if he went against her. 

“Please my goddess, allow them to shine bright once again, as I give you this offering in my wake.”

The man shook his head as much as he could tears falling down his bruised face. He knew what was happening, and Theseus could see how tired the man was. He just wanted to sleep.

“I wish this creation reaches you, Lady Death, and you guide it in your stead.”

Thesues could feel tears form in his own eyes. This man did nothing wrong, he had bumped into Dream and refused to pay him for the coffee he spilled on his overly expensive suit. 

“Please allow this offering to find peace with you, and that the gifts you return be holy,”

“For I want nothing if it is not you, my holiness. I say this prayer in goodness and faith. I thank you for you, and your many blessings.”

The dagger is pressed against the man's throat, posed in a fast and steady way as to limit the time and pain the man will feel. 

“I’m sorry.”

“There’s no reason to be sorry Tommy, just like, call ahead if you're going to be late.” Sam’s smile is warming, and Tommy wishes he’d look at the boy like that more often. 

“If you love me you'd tell me,” A few piles of feathers were in front of Tommy. He loved to organise them according to their size, and it helped Dream too! His feathers were useful, he was useful, everything is going great.

“It's like you don’t even care.”

“I promise, I’m not keeping anyone from you.” Tommy assure his brother. He was so silly when he thought Tommy was hiding something!

Dream’s hand goes back to petting his wing, and Tommy bites down a trill. He knows his brother hates them, but he love his brother so they must be bad. 

“Philza requested a meeting with us.” Tommy could barley understand the words being said, all he cared about was the affection he was receiving from his brother, his flock. “You’ll behave, right Thes?”

Tommy didn’t know what he was agreeing to, but his nod made his brother happy, and that’s all that matters. 

“I’ll see you soon Tommy.”

Trenchcoat man was always so mysterious with his exits, the theatre kid in him always shining through. Tommy made fun of him every time for it. 

Though he never really got what he meant.